Archdiocese Letter Not Enough for Some in Greek Orthodox Parish

Some members of the Greek Orthodox parish in Salt Lake City are rejecting an effort from the church’s national leadership to settle some long-standing disputes.

Calling itself “Protect Our Clergy,” the group of about a dozen members says the plan proposed in a letter from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is not a viable one to restore peace and order in the parish.

But members of the group say they don’t want to take any new steps to resolve the conflicts before the church’s Easter celebration in April. After that, they say their proposal could include a “legal aspect,” with the eventual goal of dividing the parish that now includes Prophet Elias church in Holladay and Holy Trinity Cathedral in Salt Lake City.

A letter from the archdiocese chancellor, Bishop Andronios, had asked members not to discuss or take steps toward dividing the parish for the time being. Parish Council President Dimitrios Tsagaris has said the letter from the hierarchy resolves the issue as far has he’s concerned.

The letter says one of the parish’s three priests, Father Michael Kouremetis, will be reassigned. He’s expected to leave Prophet Elias church following Easter.